Why does Victor Osimhen wear a mask on his face? Nigeria and Napoli striker's protective covering explained

Victor Osimhen's reputation as one of the most feared and sought-after strikers in world football is only continuing to blossom.

Osimhen spearheaded Napoli's emotionally charged march to the Serie A title last season when he amassed a phenomenal haul of 26 goals in 32 league games.

Now he can add continental glory to his CV when Nigeria face hosts Ivory Coast in this weekend's Africa Cup of Nations final. The Super Eagles are bidding to become continental champions for the first time since 2013, when they defeated Burkina Faso 1-0 in the final in South Africa.

Most fans of the teams Osimhen comes up against are familiar with the sight of him wheeling away to celebrate goals, and he has also become known for his wearing a mask in recent years.

Why does Osimhen need the protection for his face? The Sporting News explains.

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Osimhen suffered multiple facial fractures in a clash of heads with Inter Milan defender Milan Skriniar during a game in November 2021.

The surgeon who oversaw for Osimhen's subsequent operation detailed needing three plates and six screws to carry out the procedure.

"That injury was like a near-death injury," Osimhen later told Wazobia FM, via Football Italia, discussing a surgery that forced him out of the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations and is said to have taken three and a half hours. "I am the only one that felt it and I can only speak about how I felt because it was my face and body.

"When the scan came out, I fractured many bones, which they had to remove and fix inside again. I have, like, 18 screws under my jaw. I went through a lot.

Victor Osimhen only takes the mask off to celebrate